The winter study abroad fair, organized by the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, took place on Jan. 29 in the Wilkinson Student Center Garden Court.
Many students who attended became interested in international programs available across every continent. Aaron Rose, program coordinator for international study programs, said students were excited about a range of programs.
“Most of our destinations are in Western Europe. Countries in this destination are usually the most demanded,” Rose said. “We also offer programs in Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. For example, one of our newest programs focuses on exercise science and wellness in Central Europe.”
The Central Europe program is one of the newest additions to the international options. Wayne Johnson, the program’s director, said many students were interested in the experience.
“Anybody interested in going to medical school, PT school and health and wellness is invited to join us,” Johnson said. “We will start in Budapest, Hungary. We are going to spend about two weeks there. We will interact with the Hungarian University of Sports and Sciences. Other destinations of the program include Győr, and then Austria, where we will be in Vienna.”
Other interesting destinations include the Ecuador Sustainable Development & Biodiversity Program and the Social and Cultural Transformation in Southern Africa.
Andrew South, one of the Ecuador program leaders, said the program aims to connect students with opportunities.
“This program is to help students explore the interdisciplinary connections of sustainable development. We want to mix the different perspectives in how people see the development process occurring,” South said.
South Africa trip leader Spencer James also emphasized the importance of student immersion.
“We will explore South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, diving into the social and cultural transformation in this region,” James said. “We’ll talk about social and economic inequality, a problem that is a great concern in Southern Africa, and we’ll talk about why that is.”
Rose explained how he helps students find the right program for them.
“The first thing I would ask a student is, 'Where do you want to go?' Then ask them about their major and what they are interested in doing during their study abroad,” Rose said. “So, there are a few follow-up questions that I need to ask the student to figure out what’s the best program for them. They have their own path, and we might have the program to satisfy their needs."
To explore current study abroad options, visit the Kennedy Center website.